Summer in a Rind: Beijing's Xiazhi Watermelon Twist
June 21 marks Xiazhi, the Summer Solstice in the Chinese calendar – the longest day of the year north of the equator. In Beijing, on the Chinese mainland, vendors are tapping into summer's signature flavor with a simple, nature-made twist: juicy watermelon served straight from its rind.
At a bustling open-air market, slices of bright red melon are hollowed out, blended, and poured back into the hollowed shells. The result? A no-fuss, 100 percent pure fruit beverage that needs no packaging or additives. Each sip is a reminder of why simplicity can be the most refreshing approach to beating the heat.
This trend is more than a nostalgic nod to summer – it's a celebration of local produce and tradition on Xiazhi. Whether you're wandering market stalls or sampling fresh flavors under the sun, the watermelon-in-a-rind offers a taste of summer you can't miss.
Could this be the simplest – and sweetest – trend of the season?
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
